“I tend to hold back on proving myself and my ability with dance,” Kyrlowicz said. “This is my moment to show my personality through movement.” 

Krylowicz’s self-choreographed solo titled “Uncharted Chapter” is a contemporary fusion with themes of resilience and perseverance, illustrating how Krylowicz views herself as a dancer. Krylowicz said she wants to focus on being herself and enjoying her last performance with the GVSU Dance Department.

“There are times when we feel down, it’s (about) reminding myself it’s alright to choose me instead of second-guessing.” 

Krylowicz’s group piece titled “Interfuse” features rhythmic and free-flowing hip-hop movement accentuated with contemporary dance vocabulary. The piece explores the fusion of different genres of movement into one cohesive whole, with the dancers costumed in neon colors and elaborate makeup.

“I am just proud of the dancers that I had the amazing opportunity to work with,” Krylowicz said. “I learned how to test myself as a choreographer and also open the space to try something out of their comfort zone.” 

At the beginning of the winter semester, Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt began the enormous task of creating, funding and performing a complete dance concert. Every part of the showcase was organized by the group, from auditioning dancers, choreographing a group piece and a self-performed solo, raising money for tech production, setting lighting trees and hauling chairs into the performance space. 

“Capstones are so special,” said Jenna Altman, who danced in Armijo’s group piece. “I’m really excited to perform the amazing works these seniors have created, especially after going through the same process last semester.”

Armijo’s group piece titled “Corporeal Projections (Of what we can’t control)” used themes of emotional identity to portray the complexity of an individual’s psyche. Her cast worked together to explore the internal push and pull within a person’s illustration of self.

“Essentially, the group piece is about acknowledging who this person in the dance is thus far in life: the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful,” Armijo said. “It’s a melancholic sort of vibe. We can see the struggle, but we also see the strength.”

Armijo added that the piece is informed by her own personal journey of growth in the last four years. Her solo also portrays similar themes in a deeper, more personal context. 

Altman said that performing in Armijo’s group piece was cathartic, as it landed in a personal place for her.

“The piece feels good to perform because I was given the chance to identify with the character and relate it to myself,” Altman said. “The piece was literally built for me to express the feelings Emma had in her vision, and in dancing it, I can identify an authentic emotional experience that is also true to me.”

Some dancers were cast in multiple group pieces, such as Haley Rosendale, who performed in both Armijo and Glover’s pieces. Rosendale said that participating in senior capstone projects is one of the most rewarding experiences in the semester. 

“My favorite part about dance capstones is getting to work alongside amazing dancers,” Rosendale said. “The connections that are formed throughout the process are really special.”

Glover’s group piece is titled “A Reflection of Me,” featuring a blend of contemporary ballet movement in a dynamic routine. Through this and his solo, titled “Unseen,” Glover was inspired to explore the authenticity and vulnerability in the choreography as a reflection of finding his own way during his time at GVSU.

“It’s about my journey in college, feeling alone and lost,” Glover said. “(It’s about) dealing with obstacles that came my way over the years and how God has helped me overcome those battles.”

Bernhardt’s solo was also a reflection on the obstacles she’s overcome, and was composed of contemporary and modern movements. Her group piece, “When the Dust Settles,” was an interpretation of the effects of societal challenges on individuals. 

“This has been a lovely process with my beautiful dancers, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them,” Bernhardt said. “Our rehearsals have always made me smile, even if I was having a bad day. I am so proud of their hard work and contribution to this process, I cannot thank them enough.”

GVSU dancer Kennedy Maynard, who performed in two of the pieces, said she finds the senior capstone projects a creative and inviting way to work with her friends. 

“My favorite part of the capstone process is getting the opportunity to connect with everyone during rehearsals,” Maynard said. “These groups are such a great support system throughout the semester, and it is nice to have people to lean on inside and outside of rehearsals.” 

Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt all said they felt a special connection while working with their dancers to put on the showcase. “Moiré Patterns” was a reflection of their own unique illustrations of identity under an artistic lens and their all-encompassing, end-of-year send-off. 

Weibel, who was born and raised in Switzerland, has extensive choreography experience in both Europe and the United States. Currently, she works as a dance professor at Muskegon Community College. As a guest choreographer, Weibel is teaching GVSU students a piece titled “Life Forms” for the Spring Dance Concert. While many dance program guests only stay for a week-long residency, Weibel will be at GVSU throughout the month of March.

For the Spring Dance Concert, Weibel aimed to create a piece that provokes thought and discussion, rather than just being aesthetically pleasing. She also hopes to inspire audiences to reflect more carefully and draw their own interpretations regarding their relationship with the planet.

“It’s really important that we are careful with our life forms (and) our earth,” Weibel said. “Maybe when we look at it (the planet) a little bit closer and see all the miracles that are presented in (the) tiny details, we’ll end up being a little bit more careful and not as wasteful as we are.”

“Life Forms” explores the evolution of life and incorporates themes related to humans and the natural world. Weibel’s choreographic style and approach to creating pieces is influenced by the European notion of Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), which pulls from various art forms to create a cohesive whole.  

“It’s more like interpretive dance,” said Anissa Faison, a GVSU dance student in Weibel’s piece. “We’re supposed to evolve into animals. You’re not going to really be an animal because you’re a human, but (you have to) interpret that through dance and find ways to move your body to make that happen.” 

Students are continuing to work with Weibel across multiple sessions to develop the piece, which is a notable departure from the typical one-week guest residency. Weibel said that working with students for longer periods of time allows for deeper engagement and co-creation. 

“It’s less pressure,” Faison added. “I feel like I can take more time to make sure I learn, and (am) clean with my movement.”

Guest artists from different dance backgrounds and techniques are frequently brought in for GVSU students to experience different forms of choreography and performance styles.

“(The piece) is outside my comfort zone and dance (style) that I’m usually used to being cast in,” Faison said. “It’s definitely going to push me forward in my artistry.

Although Weibel said she has performed the piece before, she added that she was excited to collaborate with GVSU’s dance program because of the distinguished students within it. 

“I love the different caliber of dancers here at GVSU,” Weibel said. “I’ve been missing working with higher-level dancers, so this opportunity to work with them was intriguing.”

Above all, Weibel vocalized that dance is a subtle art form, and that audience members can interpret performances with their own experiences, eyes and emotions.

“I prefer to communicate that way (through dance),” Weibel said. “The communication is, not only from my side, but also in the eye of the beholder.”

To start off the week of love, GVSU’s Alcohol & Other Drugs Services (AOD), Campus Activities Board and the Center for Health & Wellbeing collaborated on a Valentine’s Day Paint & Sip event on on Feb. 10. At the gathering, students were able to follow along with a Valentine-themed painting tutorial or pursue original ideas. Snacks and mocktails were available to students in attendance. Additionally, AOD’s peer educator team was readily available to speak with students and point them toward any resources they might not have been aware of. 

“Students were free to come at any time during the event, (which) allowed people to paint and leave when they were ready,” said Onyx McCormick, a GVSU student worker at AOD. “Since the event was open to anyone, the outcome was great.”

Most students were inspired by the Valentine’s Day theme, even if they did not follow the tutorial provided. Lauren King, a graduate assistant at AOD largely organized the Paint & Sip event, and said one of the activity’s goals was to help students with the potential stress of the romantic holiday. 

“A handful of students used the tutorial we provided to paint disco cherries,” King said. “There was also a variety of flowers and candy heart paintings. It was open for students to do whatever, and provided a stress-free space.”

The University’s Recreation & Wellness department also hosted Valentine’s-themed events that focused on health and exercise. On Feb. 10, they hosted Cupid’s Groove and Glove, a Zumba and yoga fusion session. The class had a starting focus on dance and ended with a focus on breathing techniques to promote relaxation. Later in the week, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Recreation & Wellness held a Love Your Core: Pilates Class on the Pew Campus.

That same evening, NIARA, a program within the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity, hosted a Galentine’s Strawberry Dipping Workshop. The activity was part of a series of events centered around making connections within the GVSU community. NIARA is a student-led program committed to creating a community at GVSU for women of color by providing platforms for expression.

Overall, the week’s events invited students to use art to relieve stress and participate in new experiences with friends. The activities’ free and open form ensured the events’ environments were conducive to creativity while encouraging socialization, an aspect that many students seemed to appreciate. 

The Valentine’s Day-themed events coincided with the University’s Sex Ed Week, during which the GVSU Center for Health & Well-being worked with campus organizations to educate students about sexual health. 

“Since the event (Valentine’s Day) happens during Sex Ed Week, we wanted to work together to highlight the relationship between substance use, sexual wellness and student life,” King said.

All of the aforementioned events helped provide free resources and education, and facilitated a way for students to safely engage in the romantic theme of Valentine’s Day.

Although the Midwestern dance scene is significantly smaller than that of New York or Los Angeles, the community is familiar and encouraging. Each time a new group steps on stage, they are welcomed with loud cheers.

“(The Midwestern dance community) is tight-knit,” said Claire DiFranco, the creator and host of The Main Event. “Everyone knows everyone. It’s so nice to see everyone come together.” 

DiFranco created The Main Event in 2021 as an opportunity for the community to support and showcase local dance talent. She said that while it can be hard for students to find ways to keep performing after graduation, The Main Event provides them with a place to shine.

“It’s not a competition (or about) whose better,” DiFranco said. “I want it to be big (and) inviting. I want everyone to be part of it.” 

DiFranco added that she created the event as a way to bring different dance styles together. At the showcase, hip-hop dancers cheered on their contemporary peers and K-pop dance friends. The venue’s old, wooden stage bolstered everything from bare feet to sneakers, tap shoes and heels.

“I wanted it to be about bringing all forms of art together,” DiFranco said. “I’m hoping that (after this year) The Main Event will have an even larger following, and I can bring more artists together (in the future).”

GVSU’s hip-hop dance team Move 2 The Beat has performed in several of The Main Event’s showcases, and this gathering was no exception. Each year, the event’s enthusiastic crowd and positive energy motivate the group to drive almost three hours.

“Getting to watch everybody (is) inspiring,” said Jenae Bennett, vice president of Move 2 the Beat. “The energy between everybody is pretty awesome.”

The group performed to a mixtape of four songs, each choreographed by a small selection of students within the club. This gave every member in the performance a chance to showcase unique, artistic movement. On stage, the group’s mutual trust and friendship was apparent, as members moved and interacted with ease. Dancers shared in their expression and training with fluid familiarity as they, quite literally, moved to the beat. 

Move 2 the Beat provides students with a passion for dance the opportunity to move together, despite their differing majors and experience levels. 

Lily Zevalkink, Move 2 the Beat’s secretary, said the group’s close community compelled her to join.

“I joined my freshman year to make friends and because I love dancing,” Zevalkink said.

Bennett echoed her teammate’s words, saying Move 2 the Beat’s community is what keeps her performing.

“(Dance) is one of my passions, but also this community (Move 2 the Beat),” Bennett said. “Going into it, we’re all really shy, but then we get out of our shells. It’s nice to grow in that confidence together.”

Weiberg is one of five seniors completing their capstone this semester, “Strength in Motion,”

through Grand Valley State University’s dance program. The showcase is a collection of 10 entirely student-composed works ranging in movement style, theme, emotion and performance. Each senior’s group piece, as well as a self-choreographed solo, will take center stage during the performance. The showcase will take place on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. This event will have free admission and will take place in the Haas Center for Performing Arts in Studio 1600.

“I am extremely proud of the work I have put out, and being a part of each stage of the creative process,” Weiberg said. “The most rewarding moment of this process has been watching my group dance evolve and become an experience audience members can be immersed in.”

The five capstone seniors this fall semester are Weiberg, Jenna Altman, Chloe Schram, Alexandria Gilbertson and Gracelyn Guild, who have built the show over the course of the semester. The capstone showcase, “Strength in Motion,” represents a pivotal moment for the seniors, concluding four years of movement exploration, challenges and hard work. This class of seniors performed for the first time

with the dance program wearing protective face coverings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time they had finished their first semester of college, reported COVID-19 cases had reached an all-time high.

The group has been responsible for getting the performance off the ground, from holding auditions to casting dancers, choreographing pieces, hiring light and sound professionals and even supervising technical elements from backstage. According to Weiberg, the stress of managing the logistics of the showcase has made her even prouder to present the finished product. 

“My capstone experience has been so enjoyable (and) I have tried to savor every moment with my cast,” Weiberg said. “This show means so much to me, as it sums up my experience as a GVSU dance major, and displays my personal aesthetic.” 

Variations in themes and emotion throughout the show allow the audience to experience excitement and energy from the performance, as well as a contrasting emotional depth from its more complex concepts. A press release for “Strength in Motion” stated that some themes explored during the concert are growth, connectivity, frustration, vulnerability, identity and empowerment.

As a choreographer, Altman identified a vulnerability that she hadn’t been used to. She said the most difficult part of putting together the capstone showcase was trusting herself to create.

“It’s not easy to turn an idea into a product, especially handing someone else your idea so it can blossom,” Altman said. “It was very vulnerable being at the front of the room, watching the process transform into a full product was inspirational.”

Collaborating with three dancers to create a duet, Altman’s piece, “What’s said and done,” invokes feelings of domestic familiarity. The piece highlights the organic nature of conversation and the frustration of a breakdown in interpersonal relationships. 

“The piece (created by Altman) will take the dancers through a whirlwind of emotions as they converse through sharp, aggressive motifs, intentional and abrupt prop work, and various kinds of contact movements,” the press release said. 

Altman commented that the piece began as an extension of herself and developed a “life of its own” as the dancers got more comfortable. Over time, dancers began to include bits of their own personal experiences.

“I’m proud of the dancers who just understood my internal monologue,” Altman said. “They made it come alive, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m also proud of myself. I’ve never made a piece out of nothing (and) it was truly moving to see the dancers take ownership of the piece and become part of it.” 

Altman’s solo work follows similar notions of conversation and relationships through a personal lens. The solo “and for My Name, My Heart cries” provides an organic viewing experience that highlights “raw vulnerability within finding oneself,” according to the press release.

Schram addresses coming to terms with the social perception of being queer in a solo titled “Violet Kaleidoscope.” 

“My solo is very vulnerable and has challenged me,” Schram said. “(It pushed me) to explore my abilities, performing my own choreography in front of a large audience.” 

Schram, Weiberg and Altman collectively agreed the most difficult part of the experience was developing a self-performed solo for the showcase. Weiberg said despite the nerves of performing a solo, she looks forward to sharing all that the group has accomplished at the show.

“Creating a solo on myself was one of the most challenging tasks during this process, but (was also) very rewarding,” Weiberg said. “People can expect a fun show with a lot of different styles and emotions throughout.”

The capstone showcase demonstrates countless hours of time, dedication and passion for the craft from every student involved. This is underscored by the advanced technical training, culturally rich education and meaningful connection each senior has cultivated over the past four years. Schram said she will cherish the fond memories of rehearsing for the show over the course of the semester. 

“This experience has been very special to me, getting to work with eight dancers for my group piece, choreographing my own unique style on them and seeing it come together has been very rewarding,” Schram said. “I have loved getting to know these dancers so well, laughing and being vulnerable with them each week at rehearsal.”

CAB is a student-run organization that plans campus events for GVSU students. The Silent Disco has been hosted on the GVSU campus for multiple years, and CAB president Bridie Tolley said that they have seen a bigger turnout every year. 

“Events like these are why CAB is what it is,” Tolley said. “What CAB loves most is fostering a positive experience for GVSU students. Thinking about the fact that students can come to these events, make new friends and have a great time is genuinely a great feeling.”

Unlike a traditional dance event setting where one DJ plays through a speaker system, the Silent Disco had three different live DJs playing through the headphones that students wore. The headphones had a switch that allowed the wearer to switch between mixes.

“(I was) able to dance to all of the DJs at every station, whatever song they had,” said Kyril Hayes, a GVSU sophomore who attended the event.

The different mixes covered a range of genres, but primarily consisted of top pop and R&B songs with different colored headphone LEDs corresponding to each mix. At the beginning of the event, the colors of the headphones seemed to appear at random as attendees looked for what mix to listen to. However, by the end of the night, the majority of the crowd’s headphones looked to be the same color. 

“It is really exciting for students to be able to switch between them so that they can (listen to) what best fits their vibe,” Tolley said.

CAB chose the event’s DJs based on how they were received in surveyed student responses from past discos. The organization noted they made this choice in hopes of creating an experience that would resonate well with students. 

“At the beginning, (the attendees) were a little shaky,” Hayes said. “But as (the night progressed) with more songs, they (were) having fun.” 

Students appeared to form a sense of community based on the music they were tuned in to, losing their shyness and singing and dancing together to the same music.

“I went last year, and it was so much fun,” said Michael Gottlever, a GVSU sophomore. “I love to dance, and (the) Silent Disco’s just the perfect place to do it (dance).” 

Despite the absence of a speaker system, attendees who removed their headphones could hear choruses of a mix of songs like “Not Like Us” and “Low” echoed across the Kirkhoff Center’s lawn. Students such as Hayes and Gottlever said they were less self-conscious dancing with headphones on, which made the crowd appear more fun and cohesive than without genre personalization.

Tolley said that she hopes CAB will continue to bolster the student experience on campus.

“CAB events have been known to positively shape the student experience, and we are always looking for more ways to do just that,” Tolley said.

Elections and expirations: how old is too old to hold office?

As the presidential race comes closer and closer, we are getting increasingly concerned about the age and mental competency of the candidates proposed on the ballot.

This year, it is forecasted that 81 year old Joe Biden will be the Democratic elect and 77 year old Donald Trump will be the Republican president-elect. Biden is the oldest elected president in U.S. history, breaking the previous record set by Trump during the 2016 election. This means that both Biden and Trump are currently on track to break the record for the third consecutive election. Frankly, we’re sick of this. We don’t think records for the oldest politician are the ones that need to be broken.

Both leading presidential candidates are multiple years beyond the life expectancy of the average American male. Obviously speculation about the chances of a U.S. president possibly passing away in office due to old age exists, but more importantly the cognitive ability of former President Trump and President Biden absolutely must be called into question.

To read more of the Lanthorn Staff’s editorial, click here.

“So magnetic it’s almost obnoxious”- ranking Taylor Swift’s 1989 (TV) Vault tracks

On Oct. 27, Taylor Swift released her fourth album rerecording– “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” Originally released in 2014, the new release allowed Swift to own the legal rights to the album, which sold over a million copies almost a decade ago.

According to Forbes, Swift “vowed to regain control of her music after Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings controversially acquired her back catalog in 2019 and later sold it to a private equity firm.”

Swift described the selling of her masters as a “worst-case scenario” in a post on her official Tumblr account from 2019.

Since losing control of her first six albums in 2019, Swift has re-recorded and released her “Taylor’s Version” albums: “Red (Taylor’s Version),” “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and the newest, highly anticipated “1989 (Taylor’s Version).”

To read more of the Lanthorn Staff’s editorial, click here.

The possible death of Sports Illustrated is a sign of a bigger issues in journalism

The news of enormous layoffs at popular American sports magazine Sports Illustrated jumped out of nowhere for us. It was a shocking development for fans of the historic magazine, and yet another traumatic blow to an industry being torn apart at its seams.

Talk of the mass layoffs came after the news that The Arena Group, the publisher of Sports Illustrated, failed to pay “its licensing fees to the magazine’s parent company,” reported NPR.

It is the second time in recent years that major layoffs have hit Sports Illustrated. Back in 2019, S.I. laid off 30 percent of their staff when media conglomerate Meredith Corporation sold the company to Authentic Brands Group.

The term “media conglomerate” is one that makes news media employees shudder. Now, something that once seemed to hurt small newspapers has begun to destroy legacy news media.

To read more of the Lanthorn Staff’s editorial, click here.

Out of touch and out of our pockets: CAB’s spring concert disappointment

With the upcoming Grand Valley State University Spring Concert on April 6, we are underwhelmed by the lineup of artists set to perform. Given previous concerts featured relevant and big-name artists like T-Pain, Yung Gravy, All-Time Low and Bo Burnham, this year’s lineup feels like a substantial step down in terms of quality and anticipation.

Headlined by former American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina, GVSU’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) is taking a decidedly pop-country approach to this year’s concert. Joined by Julia Cole and the already famous yodeling Walmart kid, Mason Ramsey, Alaina will have big shoes to fill following last spring’s concert.

We don’t deny that Ramsey is talented, but his appearance as an opener seems more like a gimmick due to his past as a meme, rather than a thought-out choice on CAB’s part. At the same time, Alaina is arguably a less interesting choice. None of us on the Lanthorn Editorial Board actually knew of her prior to the spring concert announcement, and many other students vocalized their disappointment on CAB’s initial Instagram post.

To read more of the Lanthorn Staff’s editorial, click here.

Columns

Domestic violence is not funny, Matt Rife

“Comedian” Matt Rife is rightfully under fire for clips in his new Netflix stand-up “Natural Selection” surrounding domestic violence.

For context, Rife said he entered a restaurant and the hostess had a black eye. He said he knew where the black eye came from, insinuating that someone purposely had given that to her. He then went on to make a joke about how he didn’t want someone with a black eye representing the restaurant, and she needed to go back to the kitchen so no one saw her. If that wasn’t already offensive and insensitive enough, Rife then continued on and made a joke saying if she knew how to cook in the kitchen maybe she wouldn’t have gotten the black eye in the first place.

Many people did not find this “joke” funny, so Rife quickly received backlash from viewers. After being under fire, he posted a public “apology” on his Instagram story stating, “If you’ve ever been offended by a joke I’ve told — here’s a link to my official apology,” which included a link to a medical site that sells helmets for persons with disabilities. Not only is Rife poking fun at domestic violence victims, but he is also blatantly making fun of people with persons with disabilities. Instead of doing the right thing by apologizing and taking accountability for his actions, Rife created a bigger problem.

To read more of Maddie Zimmerman’s column, click here.

Grand Rapids’ top 5 greatest bars

As a Grand Valley State University senior who turned 21 going into this school year, I now consider myself a connoisseur of the downtown Grand Rapids bar scene. I journeyed from my Allendale apartment by bus or Uber, and stood in the entry lines in the cold and rain, to concoct this list of five of the best places to go out.

To read more of Elizabeth Schanz’s column, click here.

OSU’s dance team took home the trophy, but at what cost?

The last few years, I have noticed the Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Nationals become increasingly popular because of the competition’s increased visibility on social media with many routines posted on YouTube and TikTok. The world of dance teams and competitions are not new to me, as I competed in UDA Nationals all four years of high school. However, the attention and popularity that the 2024 UDA College Nationals have gained among college students is undeniable.

During UDA Nationals, which took place the weekend of Jan. 12-14, Ohio State University’s (OSU) dance team competed their Division 1A Jazz routine to “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. The routine, which placed first overall in the category and division, was powerful and emotional. The work that goes into learning, perfecting and performing a competitive dance routine is nothing short of incredible and OSU’s dance team always shows up and shows out. However, the work of the team in my eyes is overshadow by the unfortunate truth that OSU’s jazz routine was choreographed by Travis Wall, a choreographer known for sexually harassing multiple dancers and peers, including minors.

To read more of Chloe Schram’s column, click here.

New NFL rules may change football’s dynamics

Many changes have been brought to the NFL’s games this offseason. Owners of the NFL voted to pass two game changing rules that will be in effect starting in the 2024 season. The first rule change was to adopt a low-impact kickoff– previously used in the XFL. In addition, hip-drop tackles were banned and would result in a penalty if used.

I look forward to the new kickoff rule being implemented next season. The ball will still be kicked from 35-yard line with the new regulation. Every player on the kicking team, other than the kicker themselves, will now line up with at least one foot on the returning team’s 40-yard line. During this new kickoff, no players can move until the ball is fielded by a returner.

To read more of Sam Nowotnik’s column, click here.

This semester, there are seven seniors in the dance major taking their capstone class, DAN-495 Senior Project. The course asks students to choreograph two pieces, one a group piece and the other a solo. Students hold auditions to cast dancers for their pieces, hold rehearsals weekly, design lighting, do a professional-style photoshoot, fundraise and more. To showcase choreography and creativity, the concert includes multiple performances to conclude senior dancers’ experiences at GVSU.

Senior Carly O’Donohue explained how she began her pieces for the concert.

“I am a visual planner, so I started writing a lot of my thoughts and ideas and I used Pinterest to look for inspiration there,” O’Donohue said. 

O’Donohue said she didn’t fully know her plans until she cast her dancers, relying on her love for storytelling and creating to fuel her pieces. Once she had an idea of what she wanted, O’Donohue looked next to music.

“Music plays a huge role in dance,” O’Donohue said. “Especially when you are trying to convey a certain story.” 

O’Donohue’s group piece is about “loving someone who is struggling through life and just wanting to protect (them) from the bad.” Her piece follows two humans who share a deep connection, with one of them constantly being “tossed around” by the other dancers who represent the hardships of life. 

From her years in the dance program at GVSU, O’Donohue had a list of artists she admired that she looked to for inspiration as well. O’Donohue largely credits her success in her piece to the collaborative process with her cast, who “showed up every rehearsal with ideas and the willingness to create together.” 

To O’Donohue, the most challenging aspect of the capstone project was her solo. Most dance majors choose to choreograph a solo and a group piece to be performed in their senior concert. She admits that she procrastinated on this piece, and often struggled with believing in the ideas she had.

“I didn’t feel like my idea was good enough until almost halfway through the semester,” O’Donohue said. “It is just very challenging being by myself, in a studio with a mirror staring back at me.”

In the end, her solo became a “confrontational” story about wishing for time to slow down and that it’s okay to not know what the future holds.

Senior dance major Hannah Kunkel said it was intimidating to start from scratch when choreographing their two pieces. To help ease into the process, Kunkel worked through the choreography in chunks.

“Going bit by bit helped me focus and not get overwhelmed by a big picture or final project,” Kunkel said.

The inspiration for their group piece originally came from the Willie Nelson album, “The Red Beaded Stranger.” Kunkel was inspired by the vintage Western sound when learning about music history in class last summer. Their group piece specifically is about their experience in the queer community.

“I wanted to combine historical and contemporary queer experiences in a way that can resonate with a diverse audience,” Kunkel said.

Their solo, also a personal story, is about dancing with a chronic injury and the uncertain future it presents. Kunkel also admitted their solo reflects the sadness they feel closing this chapter at GVSU.

“The joy and excitement I feel for these milestones are beginning to be overturned by the sadness of the endings I face,” Kunkel said. “I am using my solo as a vessel to take in my last performance with GVDD.” 

Both O’Donohue and Kunkel are grateful for the dance program.

“The dance program has brought me my forever best friends,” O’Donohue said.

Kunkle said the dance program has a community where “you can find the people you truly connect with and know will be there to support you.” 

This year’s performances take place on April 12, at 7 p.m., and April 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performances will be held at the Haas Center for Performing Arts Dance Studio Theatre, Room 1600. Admissions for this event is free.

During his visit to campus, Baker taught several modern dance classes to GVSU dance program students. Additionally, Baker worked alongside GVSU Assistant Professor of Dance Edgar L. Page to develop a separate choreographed piece for Page’s pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts in Dance (MFA) degree.

Rooted in the awareness of the African-American experience and culture, DCDC ranks in the top 20 African-American arts organizations in the country. GVSU’s dance program invited Baker to expose students to his dance approach at a technical, choreographic and personal level. 

Alaina Hogan, a dance and mathematics major at GVSU, said she appreciated the challenge of dancing in a piece with such a meaningful and powerful message. Hogan said with Baker’s recent visit, GVSU’s dance program demonstrated the program’s goal of introducing students to a variety of styles in order to make them well-rounded dancers. 

Some students felt Baker’s instructional approach helped guide students in their artistic exploration.

“Baker brought a sense of character, integrity and clarity,” Hogan said. “You have to know what it feels like to move with certain emotions (and) how to make it look authentic.” 

Baker’s modern class focused on the Horton technique, which combines elements of Indigenous dance and movement studies. The Horton technique relies on strength and flexibility through consistent motion, including flat backs, “lateral Ts” and hinges.

When not instructing students, Page and Baker worked to create a piece that incorporated Page’s research on the Griot, a caste of performers and storytellers from Africanist tradition. Having previously danced together professionally, Baker and Page have remained in touch and look for chances to work together.  When working on his MFA thesis, Page said he jumped at the opportunity to bring Baker and his “unique library of information” to campus to help with his piece.  

Furthermore, Page said Baker brought valuable insight in what it takes for students to make dance their profession. Dancers were encouraged to ask Baker questions on how to go from studying dance as a student to getting paid in the highly-competitive dance field after their time at GVSU. Additionally, students were able to get a glimpse of the high-level demand required to achieve a professional dance career. 

“Baker understands the work needed to be a dancer of the highest caliber,” Page said. “He has been sharing so many amazing anecdotes and gems of knowledge from his journey from student to professional dancer to rehearsal director.”

Page said it is paramount for GVSU’s dance program to continue bringing guest choreographers like Baker to campus because they all bring “lived experiences” they can share with students. Hogan echoed a similar sentiment. Hogan said she loved the opportunity to learn from someone who brought considerable experience and knowledge.  

“They (guest choreographers) offer us (dance students) connections to the world and real-time, real-world knowledge that we get to soak up like sponges,” Hogan said. “We learn techniques that we may not have been introduced to otherwise, thus we are more prepared for stepping into the real world and have more of a basis to succeed.”

The festival spotlighted post-modern and contemporary dance from emerging and professional artists. Performances, classes and lectures, allowed dancers, including multiple Grand Valley State University students, staff and alumni, to network with one another.

The event was curated by Rachel Miller, adjunct professor of dance at GVSU, who has been with the event for many years. Alongside Miller, several other GVSU dance professors were involved with the festival this year. Hannah Seidel, associate professor of dance at GVSU, taught dancers contemporary movement forms, and Carolyn Rabbers, adjunct professor of ballet at GVSU, brought her company, CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, for a performance on the festival’s opening night. 

Rabbers said RAD Fest gave her the opportunity to catch up with dance colleagues and friends from different states. Rabbers also praised the platform that RAD Fest provides to dancers and educators, specifically those within the GVSU community.

“It (RAD Fest) always feels like the best reunion to celebrate and catch up on life and art,” Rabbers said. “(It’s) an inspiring weekend with so much passion and love for dance and movement, (and) it is always special to see the GVSU Laker presence in the larger professional dance world.”

With internship opportunities and the chance to grow in their dance skills, GVSU dancers were encouraged to attend the event. Rabbers said there are many GVSU alumni who perform, participate and serve at RAD Fest every year. One GVSU dance program alum, Grace Kitching, not only performed at the event, she also served as the curatorial assistant intern under Miller.

As the curatorial assistant intern, Kitching helped support the festival’s traveling artists and assisted in organizing events throughout the weekend. Additionally, Kitching attended several masterclasses and performed with the Detroit Dance Collective (DDC).

Whether it was taking classes, watching performances or performing herself, Kitching said RAD Fest offered inspiration attendees, and invited dancers of all ages, genders and experience levels. 

“(It’s) comforting to know that everyone is accepted and welcome at RAD,” Kitching said. “Dance is my favorite thing in the world. Every time I watch dance, there is at least one aspect that inspires me.”

Kitching emphasized the importance of networking during college, and keeping in touch with mentors and colleagues after graduation. Kitching said her relationship with Miller led to the opportunity of working under her as an intern at RAD Fest.

“The (GVSU) dance department staff is incredibly supportive (by) offering networking opportunities to students,” Kitching said. “GV connected me with many companies, artists and events out in the working world. I feel that I can turn to any of them for advice and support.” 

Both Rabbers and Kitching said events like RAD Fest are important for fostering community within dance. 

“Through gathering in celebration and movement, we share in our woes, concerns, explorations, research, passion and love,” Rabbers said. “This powerful sharing is unique each year, making RAD Fest an amazing festival to consecutively return to.”